Bethany, you need to seal the film canister and place it in a freezer to
stabilize it.  I'm trying to contact other collections sources about what to
do next because they have had a similar problem in the past before having
films transferred to tape.  So placing the film in the freezer will at least
stabilize the film for now.

Lucille


>From: Bethany Rutledge <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: cellulose nitrate film
>Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2000 12:34:07 -0500
>
>Hi everybody,
>
>A component of my organization's collections is a couple of motion picture
>reels produced prior to 1951, hence, on cellulose nitrate film. I opened
>the canisters today to obtain some measurements so that I could look into
>estimates to reproduce the film on a safer substance and destroy the reels.
>As one of the canisters was opened, a distinct vinegary odor was released.
>Is this the smell that everyone talks about as signaling deterioration?
>Suddenly, something that was on my "to-do" list has become top priority.
>Should I isolate these reels immediately? And if so, in what conditions?
>I'm thinking about moving them to an outside shed at a little distance from
>the facility.
>
>Any advice would be a help,
>
>With thanks from me and the rest of my collections,
>
>Bethany S. Rutledge
>Director of Collections and Exhibits
>Thornton W. Burgess Society
>East Sandwich, MA
>
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